Big future for hort
The horticulture sector is punching above its weight when it comes to export revenue, according to Westpac industry analyst Paul Clark.
Westpac has launched a new sustainable business loan to support corporate and agribusiness customers to make progress on their sustainability initiatives, whether they are working to improve the environment or achieve positive social outcomes, or both.
Westpac NZ chief executive Catherine McGrath says its customers are telling them that they are seeing strong sentiment for change from their customers, suppliers and shareholders.
"We know that being a sustainable business makes good business sense. It can help to build great teams, connect with consumers, reduce operating costs and support the community.
"So, we have designed a loan to provide tangible support for customers who are wanting to invest in sustainability initiatives.
"This sustainable business loan will help our corporate and agribusiness customers invest in projects that improve the environment, help adapt to climate change, or deliver positive social outcomes for communities or groups.
"It complements the Sustainable Farm Loan but has a more targeted focus on specific assets and projects."
Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Harvesting is underway of one of New Zealand’s rarest and most unusual fruit - persimmons.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.